MSU Extension Beginning Farmer

Organic Agriculture

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  New digital tool for apple growers: MSU launches MI Fruit Decision website and instructional video

  Published on June 20, 2025
  The free MI Fruit Decision website contains decision making tools for apple growers to improve pest management programs, now with an easy-to-follow video tutorial.

• Legacy Phosphorus: The Hidden Driver of Tile Drainage Loss

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Ehsan Ghane, associate professor, MSU Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering, discussing legacy phosphorus and drainage loss.

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  Field days, workshops and webinars for farmers transitioning to organic

  Published on June 18, 2025
  Sign up now to learn from organic farmers.

• Cercospora for Sugar Beets

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Jaime Willbur, MSU plant pathologist for sugar beets and potatoes, discussing Cercospora management in sugar beets.

• Ag Bioterrorism and Wheat Fungicides

  MSU Extension’s Field Crops Virtual Breakfast features Dennis Pennington and Martin Chilvers discussing recent agroterrorism-related arrests and providing insight on wheat fungicide applications and equipment.

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  Irrigation Scheduling Tools

  Published on June 2, 2025
  Irrigation scheduling provides information on the timing and amount of water to apply to meet crop needs.

• Dry Bean Management and Data Driven Decisions

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Scott Bales, MSU dry bean specialist, discussing dry bean management and data driven decisions.

• Heat Stress in Winter Wheat

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Dennis Pennington, MSU wheat systems specialist, discussing heat stress in winter wheat.

• Heat Stress in Winter Wheat

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Dennis Pennington, MSU wheat systems specialist, discussing heat stress in winter wheat.

• Postemergence Weed Control Options

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Erin Burns, MSU field crops weed scientist, discussing postemergence weed control options.

• Disease Management in Wheat and Small Grains

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Martin Chilvers, MSU field crops plant pathologist, discussing disease management in wheat and small grains.

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  Exploring alternative field crops

  Published on May 5, 2025
  Alternative crops come with both opportunities and risks.

• Optimizing Forage Quality in Hay & Haylage

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Kim Cassida, MSU forages and cover crops specialist, discussing optimizing forage quality in hay and haylage.

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  Congratulations to Michigan’s SARE grant recipients

  Published on May 1, 2025
  Learn more about the 10 new Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) projects funded for 2025.

• Herbicide Resistance – Waterhemp Focus

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Erin Hill, MSU weed science diagnostician, discussing herbicide resistance with a focus on waterhemp.

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  Free trainings for educators working with beginning farmers offered this spring and summer

  Published on April 23, 2025
  Join us for an engaging, hands-on train-the-trainer workshop designed for educators working with beginning farmers!

• Nitrogen Stabilizers & Extenders

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Kurt Steinke, MSU Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management, discussing nitrogen stabilizers and extenders.

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  Michigan State University Extension and Michigan Potato Industry Commission potato seed spacing and depth research

  Published on April 17, 2025
  MSU Extension, in partnership with the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, conducts potato seed spacing and depth research with published factsheets highlighting year one research.

• Corn and Soybean Planting Considerations

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Manni Singh, MSU Extension cropping systems agronomist, discussing considerations for planting corn and soybean this spring.

• Preventing Planter Pitfalls This Spring

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Jason Koning, Precision Planting regional manager, discussing planter setup considerations and planter maintenance.